Artist Development Microgrant

Program Overview
​This program is intended to support professional and business development activities for individual artists and artist collectives. The goal of the program is to contribute to the skills and knowledge required to advance artists’ careers and develop artistic practices in Calgary (known as Mohkínsstsisi in Blackfoot).
Individual artists may apply for up to $5,000. In response to the high volume of requests we have received to this program, the total pool of funding available through this program has been increased to $400,000.
We will accept applications in four intakes throughout the year. 

Who Can Apply?
This program is open to individual artists and individuals who work in artist collectives. Please note that this program cannot accept individual applications from arts administrators or cultural workers. This program cannot support registered not-for-profit organizations or registered for-profit corporations or businesses. 
For a glossary of terms and more important information about eligibility, please refer to the Investment Program FAQ.

Eligibility

• An applicant may only apply for one opportunity or phase of development.
• We will only accept one application per individual or collective. 
• You may not receive funding from more than one Calgary Arts Development program for the same project or phase of a project. 
• You may not apply to this program if you have final reports past their due date for prior grants.
• Applicants who are not successful in their application may apply for the next intake. You may only receive 1 Artist Development Microgrant per year.
• Beginning in January 2023, you may not have more than four open grants with Calgary Arts Development, including grants for which a deadline extension has been approved. A request for an exception to this eligibility requirement must be submitted in writing and in discussion with the Program Specialist. Applicants are encouraged to take this policy into consideration when planning their applications in 2022. ​

What Can You Apply For?
This program can fund activities related to the development of an artist’s professional artistic practice and career. This program cannot fund activities primarily focused on the creation and production of artistic work.
Eligible activities may include:

• Artistic skill development through training, mentorship, experimentation, etc.
• Business development including knowledge building in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, etc. 
• Career development including the development of platforms to share and sell work, the development of audiences and artistic networks, etc.

Activities funded through this program must be completed within six months of grant notification.
 
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through our online grant interface. The application form will be available on the date the program opens. Applicants must create a user profile in order to apply. Artist collectives and organizations must create a profile that is separate from their individual account in the grant interface and apply through their collective or organization account.